London, Apr 9: Although the world is struggling in the clutches of one of the deepest recessions in history, women are trying really hard to keep their spirits up ….. by buying lots of lipsticks.

Yes, you heard it right, ladies are turning to make-up accessories to give them a boost during times of crisis.

Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estée Lauder, had observed a dramatic increase in lipstick sales following the terror attacks in New York on September 11, 2001. He coined the term “the lipstick index” which he said proved that when a nation faces a crisis women turn to lipstick.

And Suzie Cunningham, spokeswoman for Yves Saint Laurent, agrees with him.

“Lipstick and make-up sales usually increase during an economic downturn,” The Daily Express quoted Suzie, as saying.

Chanel has also noted that lipstick sales are up this year.

Bobbi Brown started her beauty biz by launching 10 shades of lipstick in 1991, right in the middle of the last big recession.

She says: “Certain cosmetics, even if they are small like a lipstick, can make a huge difference to the way women look and feel and they don’t involve the same kind of investment as splurging on an entire wardrobe.

“Lipstick is an iconic product that instantly elevates any look. It can help a woman feel polished and confident in any situation.” (ANI)